Letters: Stop the blatant attacks on our democracy

Indiana is in the unenviable position of being at or near the bottom on some very important lists. The state ranks among the worst in categories such as maternal and infant mortality, rate of smoking, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Brain drain is real, with a disproportionate number of college graduates leaving for better opportunities in other states.

We are, however, in the top 5% of most politically gerrymandered states. We no longer have government of the people, by the people, for the people. Instead, we have government of the legislature, by the legislature, for the legislature. Extreme effort is being put forth to dilute the power of the vote, though we still have that right. It is time for the electorate to assert its’ collective will.

We need to fire every incumbent legislator who has supported these outrageous and blatant attacks on our democracy. We need to elect people who will listen and carry out the will of the people instead of working to secure their own place by toeing a party line. Together we can take back our government from the political establishment. It has never been more important to pay attention and vote. Let’s restore power to the people!

Ross Deal

South Bend

The writer is a former Democratic state representative.

Strings attached

I hope that St. Joseph County residents know that our county council added another layer of unelected bureaucracy to our lives. After the commissioners wisely voted to decline strings attached COVID money from the federal government, the council decided to take the $3 million and add 10 new Health Department staff: eight community health workers who will invade our community spaces like schools and libraries to tell us all that this new vaccine is available (And who doesn't know this already?), a social worker who will do who knows what and a data analyst to keep track of contract tracing, or something like that. At this stage of the game does our community really need this?

And after the grant money runs out, will these positions be eliminated or will taxpayers be expected to shoulder the burden? The exit strategy is unclear. This is how unelected bureaucratic institutions grow, and county residents should be aware that our county council has potentially saddled us long-term for a short-term carrot on a stick.

Anne Hobbs

South Bend

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Extreme effort in Indiana to dilute the power of the vote